Smear-Camera Techniques

Various techniques have been developed which greatly increase the usefulness of the sweeping-image smear camera in detonation and shock-dynamics research. When self-luminosity is insufficient, several methods are used to enhance the light, e.g. Scotch Tape on explosive, surfaces, air or argon gaps, etc. When required, external light is supplied by exploding wires, explosive flashlamps, etc. The sharp change in the intensity of light reflected from, the surface of highly reflecting, opaque materials is used to record the arrival of shocks at the surface. When the reflectivity of the test surface is low, a covering of thin aluminized-plastic film is used, clearly signaling shock-arrival times. Very weak disturbances are observed by schlieren techniques, using either transmitted or reflected light. Multiple slits, or grid systems of various configurations can be used to increase the quantity of recorded information. “Light pipes” of optically clear filaments can be used to transmit light signals from points inaccessible to direct observation, to positions of alignment within a single slit, or to other convenient configurations. Other techniques are described, such as velocity-synchronization, shadowgraphing, time-dependent spectroscopy, and the use of color film.

Print ISSN

0361-4573

Published

1961-02

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/J15274